Discussion Forum

The most abundant elements by mass in the body of a healthy human adult are Oxygen (61.4%); Carbon (22.9%); Hydrogen (10.0%); and Nitrogen (2.6%). The weight which 75 kg person would gain if all  ¹H atoms are replaced by ²H atoms is

Answer:

Explanation:

Given, the abundance of elements of mass 

       oxygen =61.4%,   carbon =22.9% hydrogen = 10.0%, nitrogen = 2.6%

Total weight of person =75 kg

              Mass due to ¹H = $\frac{75\times 10}{100}=7.5$ kg

  ¹H   atoms are replaced by ²H atoms.

     Mass due to ²H = (7.5 × 2)kg

   $\therefore$     Mass gain by person = 7.5 kg